Sweltering heat invades Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi

Jul. 20, 2017

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Thursday for northwestern Alabama, northern Louisiana and western and northern Mississippi.

Forecasters say a strong ridge of high pressure will produce a dome of heat and humidity across the central United States that includes the Deep South.

Yazoo County coroner Ricky Shivers told the Clarion-Ledger that 56-year-old William F. Bryant died from "possible hyperthermia" after he was found dead in his home in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Bryant had his air conditioner on, but it wasn't cooling the room.

Shivers said the heat index was 107 degrees in the room. Bryant also had a history of other medical problems.

The combination of humidity and temperatures in the upper 90s will make it feel like it's above 100 degrees. Forecasters say the heat index will likely reach 110 degrees in some places.

Forecasters urge caution for anyone outdoors.

The heat advisory remains in effect through Thursday night for Alabama and Mississippi and through Friday night in Louisiana.

Temperatures across Georgia Thursday and Friday will reach into the mid-90s.